The Implementation of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: The Imagine trial

The Imagine trial aims to implement and evaluate an innovative training and mentoring program for surgeons who perform laparoscopic (keyhole) hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the uterus.

Hysterectomy is the most commonly performed major gynaecological procedure in women. Approximately 30,000 hysterectomies are performed in Australia each year. Hysterectomy can be performed for a number of reasons such as uterine fibroids, pelvic masses, endometriosis/adenomyosis and cancer.

The primary objective of the trial is to decrease the proportion of open, abdominal hysterectomies being performed. Open, abdominal hysterectomy can be more painful, result in a longer recovery and have higher complications, compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy.

The Imagine trial has received funds to commence the surgeon training program via the Metro North HHS SEED funding program.

Ihop researchers are working to design the research plan with the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer who will implement the program. The first investigator meeting was held in October, and the trial is set to begin next year.